HISTORY
Within the Strait of Gibraltar Natural Park lies the Cave of El Moro, in the Tarifa region, a place of exceptional beauty. It was discovered by Lothar Bergman in 1995 and marked a turning point in the understanding of cave art across the province, not just in Gibraltar.
This cave consists of two overlapping levels on a rock slab, 40 metres high, containing Palaeolithic cave paintings and engravings of horses, as well as other signs and rock art estimated to be up to 20,000 years old—making them even older than those in the Altamira Cave.
At the Cave of El Moro, there is a viewpoint offering one of the most expansive views of the Strait of Gibraltar Natural Park. Right in the middle of this panorama, you’ll find the Roman city of Baelo Claudia, framed beautifully by the cove.
CLIMBING AT THE CAVE OF EL MORO
On the near-vertical walls of the cave, there is no clear path to ascend, so climbers must use the cracks in the sandstone and rely on their hands and feet for the ascent. For this reason, it’s not recommended to attempt the climb without prior climbing experience or knowledge. It’s advisable to go with a guide who can show you the way and, even better, share the history of the paintings found on the lower level of the cave—combining sport and history.
The climb, in its classic form, involves navigating natural rock formations characterised by their verticality, always using appropriate safety equipment. It’s a sport that demands good physical fitness and thorough preparation from the climber. The natural terrain itself dictates the routes, which determine the path of ascent.
A wealth of experiences come together in this place, discovered not so long ago—just 20 years have passed. Tourism, adventure, sport, nature, and history converge at the Cave of El Moro, making it a key destination.
In the province of Cádiz, there are other climbing spots as well. Here, you can check out all the options for courses and meetups in the Cádiz area.
A fascinating activity in an unrivalled setting. Fancy joining in?
